Celebrating George Bentz: Columbia Gorge CASA’s 2024 Rookie of the Year

Columbia Gorge CASA is excited to announce George Bentz as the 2024 Rookie of the Year. Sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in December 2023, George has already made a significant impact. Over the past year, he has been a dedicated advocate, regularly visiting his CASA youth, building meaningful connections, and providing detailed reports to the court. Recently, George took on a second case and is even helping his new youth learn to play the guitar.

What sets George apart is his enthusiasm for learning and his open-minded approach.

He eagerly accepts new knowledge, asks questions, and approaches every task with curiosity and optimism.

“I was struck by how many kids don’t have an advocate looking out for their needs,” George shared, reflecting on his CASA training.

George’s journey to CASA began after his retirement, inspired by his sister, a CASA volunteer in Portland. His dedication to serving children in need, combined with his positive attitude, makes him a perfect fit for this role.

We are excited to honor George with this award and are grateful for the incredible work he’s already doing. There are still many children in need of an advocate, and we encourage others to consider joining our team—our next volunteer training begins in the new year.

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